Zoo's Elm Creek Backyard project nears completion

Phase I of Abilene Zoo's latest master plan is nearing completion with the continued construction of the Elm Creek Backyard Exhibit — an ambitious project that will feature a cross-section of animals native to Texas when it opens in 2010.

This will then open the door for Phase II of the plan to begin and ultimately effectively double the size of the existing zoo if the needed millions of dollars are raised.

"Once the Elm Creek Backyard project has been completed, then we will be focusing on renovations and upgrades to existing exhibits, increasing our infrastructure, and eventually entering into Phase II of the master plan, Africa, which will be located on the 24 undeveloped acres on the northern part of zoo property," said Bill Baker, Zoo director.

While the Elm Creek project will showcase cougars, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons and bobcats, along with a "variety of aquatic species," zoo officials say the Africa project — likely five years away — will be located north of the existing zoo and feature a place for elephants.

The Abilene Zoo had to ship its final elephant to a zoo in Waco after its other elephant died, and it is required that zoos have them in pairs.

"I have every confidence Africa, in time, is a realistic goal," Baker said, acknowledging the cost of the expansion could reach $20 million.

"Like all things — it just takes time and money," said Amber Cree, a longtime member of the Abilene Zoological Society.

But Cree, like Baker, believes the money can be raised for the planned massive exhibit at the only zoo between Fort Worth and El Paso — and between Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

"That covers a huge expanse," Cree said, referring to an area where adults and schoolchildren travel from all over to attend.

It might just take longer now than in the past to raise the needed funds, Cree said, with the ailing economy.

The zoological society works with the city and Grover Nelson Zoological Foundation to maintain and improve the zoo.

Wichita, Kan.-based WDM Design Architects developed the Abilene Zoo's master plan for the city of Abilene and the Abilene Zoological Society in 2002. The previous master plan was adopted in 1981 and remained in place until the zoological society voted to abandon it.

After the latest master plan, Baker said, the zoo in recent years has done work on and completed the Adventure Center complex, parking lot expansion, Creepy Crawler Center and wetlands exhibits.

In 2006, a $1.1 million bond initiative passed, and funds were allocated to the Creepy Crawler Center, giraffe exhibit renovation, parking lot expansion, South American exhibits, Wetlands exhibits and the Elm Creek Backyard Exhibit. An additional $540,000 for the Elm Creek project came from the Grover Nelson Zoological Foundation.

Nanci Liles, executive director of the Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, said the projects are welcome and will serve as important education and recreational tools.

"The Abilene Zoo offers an ‘up close and personal' tour filled with education, conservation and quality of life," Liles said. "I especially appreciate the zoo's efforts with preschool- and school-age programming. The classes feature interesting topics, creative encounters and makes learning fun, regardless of age, adding new exhibits such as the creeper crawler, wetlands and native trails."